Smashing this isolation thing!

First of all, I hope you and your families are well and staying safe. I also wanted to say a huge thank you to everybody on the front line, delivering supplies or saving lives - I really appreciate you!

If you've read my blog before then you'll know that I love a checklist, and thought I'd create another one to help those who may be struggling to stay positive and productive whilst isolating. Even just practising a few of these during your day will make a big difference to your mental and physical health...

• Try to still go to bed and wake up at regular times - your sleep will improve and your body will thank you!

• Have a shower and get properly dressed - a suit might be a bit far but I'll leave that up to you!

• Eat well at consistent times - I'm loving cream cheese boiled eggs on bagels for lunch at the minute (picture attached)...YUM!

• Set up a designated area to work and make sure that you are comfortable - ideally somewhere different to where you eat and relax

• Plan your days - add these activities to your calendar, write down daily tasks and check everything off as you go

• EAT THE FROG - take on the task that requires the best of you first thing

• Batch and save emails until the afternoon if possible - emails distract and put you into a reactive state. If something is urgent, people will find you!

• Disable notifications and put your phone out of reach - keep it close enough to hear if it rings but resist the temptation to pick it up every five minutes

• Take regular breaks away from your work area (ideally garden/balcony) - at least a break in the morning, a lunch break and afternoon break

• Stay hydrated - my daily coffee is a highlight of my day, but keep that water coming!

• Get fresh air and exercise - in your garden or balcony if you can, but stretch and work up a sweat (there are so many great free fitness videos on YouTube right now).

• Stay connected - we're all video call experts now! Check in with friends and family and share your progress.

• Treat yourself - reward yourself for a productive day and play a game or pamper yourself, you deserve it!

• Drift off to sleep - it's natural to have lots on your mind in times like this, but sleeping is much easier after a full day. Adding a meditation/storytelling aid like Calm or Headspace to the mix can also really help!

This might seem like quite a lot to fit in, but if you make your calendar your best friend, and stick to it as best you can, you'll quickly get into a healthy routine. Atomic Habits by James Clear is a great read for cementing healthy habits!

Let me know what you think and what your secrets are...

Look after yourself,

Spencer

I'm loving cream cheese boiled eggs on bagels for lunch at the minute (picture attached)...YUM! Message me up for my special recipe :-)